Shreveporter, as another black who has experienced life away from New Orleans, I have to applaude your comments. It is so obvious to see who has either traveled little, and who has been exposed to a different view of life. . It is also sad that so many people are okay with the status quo which clearly is tanking this city and the metro area. An entire generation of young black men are losing any ability to experience hope because their dreams are not allowed to flourish. As I said earlier, right should know no color or gender.

The ENTIRE community had better realize that no matter who is in charge, if there is mismanagement of money, their (citizens') pockets are being collectively picked. If the monies for road work, streets, infrastructure repair programs, schools, taxes, etc are not there, they will be asked to pay more.

If people like Ms. Head, Garland Robinette, and others shine light on the questionable practices and that light stops some of the theft, then the citizens' best interest has been protected.

It is time for us (AAs) to stop condoning the BS from elected officials and demand accountability. And before anyone says it, I don't give a damn about what others did in the past. I am now asked to give up money (thus discrecionary spending) if the city falls short and servcies are needed. I demand that the resources be spent wisely and honestly.

Apparently, there is some misunderstanding about the meaning of the word "transparency". Some are under the wrong impression that it is a code word for "race". Nothing could be further from the truth.

Transparency means that things (meetings, negotiations, policy decisions) are conducted so that everyone can see what is happening. For instance, in my business, if I say "Our HR department must have transparency in our policies", I mean that those policies must be the same for everyone and we will know how things will be handled. So, Sue and Joe will be treated the same rather than Sue getting 5 days off for a funeral and Joe getting 3. The policy that governs funeral leave would be known and enforced for all - consistently.

In City Hall terms, SDT and Richardson would both have to bid for contracts under the same conditions and everyone would have followed the established rules to determine who wins the contract. If there were transparency, we would know that the contract requirements were set up and followed. No one could add verbage/conditions that tilt the field in favor of one company or the other.

This accomplishes a few things: less cheating, when there is cheating, people can be challenged before the deal is inked, and there is more opportunity for outsider oversight. I am sure there are other benefits.

headcritter, Transparency means that you can see what is happening behind closed doors. It does not mean lack of color. Just means that you get to know what is happening!! Thus, as we in the business community say, "I want our HR policies to be transparent to our employees." Employees will then know how what the rules are, how to handle problems, how to execute their assignments, and who are the decision makers. That way, Joe and Sue can both do something and they will be treated the same.

mcs70125, you are so right about the city council members, mayor, other elected officials, activists, police, nola.com posters, ministers, and community leaders all play the race card when they want to change the focus of discussions. It should not matter what one's race is, the most important goal should be a better quality of life for all the people. That means it should not matter what group is in charge, and what used to happen when the other group was in charge. The taxpayers' money should be used wisely. Quallity service and responsive government should be the expectation. If it is not presently happening, there should be goals set to make it happen - fast. Sweetheart deals, personal agendas, back biting and unprofessional behavior cost us all. Not all people who disagree with us are bad nor are they all prejudiced. They may just have a philosophical disagreement with our goals. Talk facts not feelings.

Ministers, as a black person, I implore you to use your time, energy, powers of persusasion, and efforts towards helping get black youths to stop killing each other. Mr. Cao is trying to make a difference to this community.

Every time I see you gathered for some protest or community outcry on television, I wonder why you are not there in masse around murder scenes.

...Customers will go to one of the other services or back to City Services. It is called COMPETITION, you dolt.
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Mikenola08, good points to tollig but let's have the discussion without the name calling, ok? :-* I enjoy an intellectual discussion, as obviously you do. So far, the forum is having it on this subject. I'm loving it.

Tollig, I liked Sidney's hands on approach to his business. I suspect that is why so many people have identified with him. I also suspect that he has earned our respect for the response to customers' needsd and the community services he has provided.

As far as the Mafia, I don't know/care. I see locals being employed. I don't see less fewer services b/c someone has to pay to play.

Perhaps if the Mafia were controlling the drug traffic, maybe a few less of the streetcorner vendors would be out here destroying N. O.

OK. I just looked at the youtube video Piyush's office provided. What I realize is, it is the press conference where Lee was endorsing Jindal. We all know that nice things are said at 3 times:
first, when you see an ugly baby/kid and you say "How sweet"; second, when someone dies, you say "He was a good man" even if he was an abusive azzhole; and lastly, when you are on someone's side, you say: "I know he deserves your support". Piyush, I have seen Lee take down his enemies and boost his friends with equal abandon. You were his "friend".

This video does NOTHING to make me believe you. As a matter of fact, it further proves how lazy you are in telling facts. Show video of you and Harry the day after Katrina. Then and only then will I believe you!

Bobby, sometimes, the best thing to do is nothing. You did a terrible job on Tuesday night. You then went to Disney (literally and figuratively in your speech). You were unavailable to the media and your constituents. Now, after you sent your spokesperson out to advocate on your behalf to no avail, you now give some video to prove your point. Tisk, tisk. It's too late. Just learn from your error, stop politicing, and do what is best for your citizens, not for your political future.

TP is using the headline to catch our attention and to incite ire. Shame on you.

After reading the entire article, the projects are supported by our other congress people. And (at least on the surface), they MIGHT be decent projects. I wait to learn more about the details of the projects.

I am not a jefferson supporter but I do know a hatchet job when I see one.

This crap has got to stop. I am tired of looking at news and seeing black men being led away by cops. What will it take for us to say enough to our sons, nephews, cousins, and family friends. You are destroying not only your life but our community!!!